Method and apparatus for controlling standby power of washing machine

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for controlling standby power of a washing machine, which is located in a remote place and can be remotely controlled by a user, is provided. The apparatus includes a communication unit, a power supply, and a controller. The communication unit performs data communication with a monitoring device that performs remote control and monitoring of the washing machine. The power supply supplies needed power to the washing machine. When a wash cycle is terminated or a power-off command is input during data communication with the monitoring device through the communication unit, the controller determines whether to supply main power to the washing machine according to a user setting and controls the power supply according to the determination. The user can set whether to supply main power when a wash cycle has been terminated or a power-off command has been input, achieving easy and efficient standby power control.

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.10-2005-0059194, filed on Jul. 01, 2005, which is hereby incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and moreparticularly, to a method and apparatus for controlling standby power ofa washing machine that is located at a remote location and can beremotely controlled by the user.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

The washing machine is a home appliance which is most commonly used toclean stains from clothes using emulsion of detergent in water, frictionby the flow of rotating water, its collision with the clothes, and thelike.

Along with increasing demand for large living spaces of residences,washing machines or driers are increasingly installed in remote placesseparated from their living spaces such as their basements or outdoorplaces. In the following, the term “washing machine” rather than“washing machine or drier” is used for ease of explanation.

When a washing machine has been installed in a remote place, the userhas to go to that place as needed to control the washing machine ormonitor its operating status, which causes inconvenience to the user.

Recently, to overcome this problem, researchers have conducted studiesof a remote control technology that allows users to control washingmachines installed in places distant from their living spaces or tocheck operating states of the washing machines.

One example is a system for remotely controlling a washing machine usingpower line communication (PLC) , which is described in Korean PatentApplication No. 2004-0047737.

Another example is a home networking system using radio frequency (RF)communication, which is described in Korean Patent Application No.2002-0073502.

In one example shown in FIG. 1, a washing machine 100 is connected to amonitoring device 200 used to control the washing machine 100 in such amanner that they can communicate with each other through power linecommunication.

In another example shown in FIG. 2, a washing machine 100 and amonitoring device 200 each have a wireless communication module for RFcommunication with each other.

In the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine 100 is located ina place separated from the living place of a residence such as itsbasement or an outdoor place and periodically transmits statusinformation of its wash cycle currently in process to the monitoringdevice 200 through power line communication or RF communication.

The monitoring device 200 is installed in the living place in theresidence where it is easy for the user to use the monitoring device200. According to a request from the user, the monitoring device 200remotely controls the washing machine 100 through data communicationwith the washing machine 100. In addition, the monitoring device 200analyzes status information from the washing machine 100 and outputs itscurrent wash cycle states such as wash cycle conditions, a remainingcycle time, cycle errors, and cycle starting/finishing in a variety ofoutput forms (for example, via video or audio).

However, the main power of a washing machine is generally turned offwhen the washing machine terminates a wash cycle or when a power-offcommand is input to the washing machine. When the main power of thewashing machine is off, the washing machine cannot be powered on throughremote control using the monitoring device.

To remotely control the washing machine using the monitoring device, itis necessary to always keep the main power of the washing machine on.This leads to high power consumption of the washing machine in standbymode, thereby wasting energy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatusfor controlling standby power of a washing machine that substantiallyobviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages ofthe related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatusfor controlling standby power of a washing machine, which allows theuser to selectively set one of a zero power mode and a standby powermode of the washing machine.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will beset forth in part in the description which follows and in part willbecome apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following or may be learned from practice of theinvention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may berealized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in thewritten description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, anapparatus for controlling standby power of a washing machine comprises apower supply unit that supplies needed power to the washing machine; anda controller that determines whether or not to supply main power to thewashing machine according to a user setting when a wash cycle isterminated or when a power-off command is input and controls the powersupply unit according to the determination.

In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for controllingstandby power of a washing machine comprises a communication unit thatperforms data communication with a monitoring device that performsremote control and monitoring of the washing machine; a power supplyunit that supplies needed power to the washing machine; and a controllerthat determines whether or not to supply main power to the washingmachine according to a user setting when a wash cycle is terminated orwhen a power-off command is input during data communication with themonitoring device through the communication unit and controls the powersupply unit according to the determination.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a switching unit thatswitches on or off output power of the power supply unit according to acontrol signal from the controller.

Preferably, the switching unit is a relay including a coil connected toa control signal output of the controller, the coil being driven by acontrol signal of the controller; and a switch connected to a powersupply line of the power supply unit, the switch being turned on or offaccording to driving of the coil.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a key input unit that allowsa user to set a user setting as to whether or not to supply the mainpower when a wash cycle has been terminated or when a power-off commandhas been input.

Preferably, the key input unit includes at least one key that allows theuser to select one of a zero power mode in which the main power isturned off to terminate communication with the monitoring device and astandby power mode in which the main power is kept on to enablecommunication with the monitoring device.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a memory that stores theuser setting as to whether or not to supply the main power, which theuser has set through the key input unit, wherein the controller keepsthe main power on to maintain the data communication with the monitoringdevice or turns off the main power to terminate the data communicationwith the monitoring device.

Preferably, the communication unit includes one of a power linecommunication (PLC) module and a wireless communication module accordingto a communication scheme used for communication with the monitoringdevice.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for controllingstandby power of a washing machine that can perform data communicationwith a monitoring device that performs remote control and monitoring ofthe washing machine comprises setting, by a user, a user setting as towhether or not to supply main power to the washing machine when a washcycle has been terminated or when a power-off command has been input;and turning on or off the main power according to the user setting setby the user when a wash cycle has been terminated or when a power-offcommand has been input.

Preferably, setting the user setting as to whether or not to supply themain power includes selectively setting one of a zero power mode inwhich the main power is turned off and a standby power mode in which themain power is kept on.

Preferably, turning on or off the main power according to the usersetting includes turning off the main power and terminatingcommunication with the monitoring device when the user has set the zeropower mode; and switching the washing machine to the standby power modein which the main power is kept on to allow communication with themonitoring device when the user has set the standby power mode.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description of the present invention areexemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principle of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates one conventional remote- controllable washing machineusing PLC communication;

FIG. 2 illustrates another conventional remote- controllable washingmachine using RF communication;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an apparatus for controlling standby powerof a washing machine according to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for controlling standby power of awashing machine according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

A method and apparatus for controlling standby power of a washingmachine according to the present invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The washing machine, which is applied to the present invention, isconnected to a monitoring device located at a certain distance in such amanner that they can perform data communication with each other. Thewashing machine is located in a space separated from the living space ofa residence such as an outdoor space or its basement, and receives avariety of control commands from the monitoring device and periodicallytransmits its current wash cycle status information to the monitoringdevice.

The monitoring device is provided in an indoor space where the userresides. The monitoring device remotely controls the distant washingmachine from the indoor place through data communication with thewashing machine. In addition, the monitoring device analyzes statusinformation received from the washing machine and outputs its currentwash cycle states such as wash cycle conditions, a remaining cycle time,cycle errors, and cycle starting/finishing in a variety of output forms(for example, via video or audio).

The washing machine, which can be remotely controlled and monitoredusing the monitoring device, includes a communication unit 110, a keyinput unit, a controller 130, a memory 140, a power supply unit 150, anda relay 160 as shown in FIG. 3. The communication unit 110 receives acontrol command from the monitoring device and transmits washinformation thereto. The power supply unit 150 supplies needed power tothe washing machine. The key input unit 120 allows the user to set auser setting as to whether or not to supply main power when a power-offcommand has been input or when a wash cycle has been terminated. Thememory 140 stores the user setting as to whether or not to supply mainpower which the user has set through the key input unit 120. When a washcycle is terminated or when a power-off command is input, then thecontroller 130 turns on or off the output power of the power supply unit150 according to the user setting stored in the memory 140. The relay160 switches on or off the power supply unit 150 according to a controlsignal of the controller 130.

The communication unit 110 may include a wireless communication modulesuch as a radio frequency (RF) module, a power line communication (PLC)module, or the like.

The key input unit 120 includes at least one key button to allow theuser to set a user setting as to whether or not to supply the mainpower, i.e., to selectively set one of a zero power mode in which themain power is turned off and a standby power mode in which the mainpower is kept on.

The relay 160 includes a coil connected to an output of the controller130 and a switch that is connected to a power supply line of the powersupply unit 150 to switch on or off the power supply unit 150 accordingto a current flowing through the coil.

The power supply unit 150 supplies needed power to the washing machine.When a wash cycle is terminated or when a power-off command is input,the controller 130 turns on or off the relay 160 according to the usersetting to allow or disallow the power supply unit 160 to supply power.

A method for controlling standby power of a washing machine according tothe present invention will now be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 4, first, the user sets a user setting as to whether ornot to supply main power when a power-off command has been input or whena wash cycle has been terminated, specifically sets one of a zero powermode or a standby power mode (S10).

The controller 130 then stores the user setting as to whether or not tosupply the main power in the memory 140 (S20).

When a cycle is terminated or when a power-off command is input whilethe washing machine is in use after the user has set the user setting asto whether or not to supply the main power (S30), the controller 130confirms the user setting, as to whether or not to supply the mainpower, stored in the memory 140.

Specifically, the controller 130 determines whether the standby mode setby the user is the zero power mode or the standby power mode (S40). Ifthe determination is that the zero power mode has been set, thecontroller 130 outputs a control signal for turning off the relay 160 ofthe power supply unit 150 (S50).

That is, if the zero power mode has been set, the controller 130switches off the relay 160 to turn off the main power output from thepower supply unit 150.

In the zero power mode, when a wash cycle is terminated or when apower-off command is input, the main power is completely turned off soas not to supply even the minimum power required for data communicationwith the monitoring device. This reduces power consumption when thewashing machine is not in use, thereby saving energy.

If the determination of step S40 is that the standby power mode has beenset, the controller 130 keeps the relay 160 on to maintain the mainpower output from the power supply unit 150 (S60).

In the standby power mode, even if a wash cycle is terminated or apower-off command is input, the main power is kept on to supply theminimum power required for data communication with the monitoringdevice, thereby allowing the user to remotely control the washingmachine using the monitoring device.

Accordingly, through the user setting, it is possible to determinewhether or not to supply the main power to the washing machine instandby mode.

As is apparent from the above description, the present inventionprovides a method and apparatus for controlling standby power of awashing machine, which allows the user to selectively set whether or notto supply the main power to the washing machine when a wash cycle hasbeen terminated or when a power-off command has been input, therebyachieving convenient, user-friendly power control of the washing machinein standby mode.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, itis intended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

1. An apparatus for controlling standby power of a washing machine, theapparatus comprising: a power supply unit that supplies needed power tothe washing machine; and a controller that determines whether or not tosupply main power to the washing machine according to a user settingwhen a wash cycle is terminated or when a power-off command is input andcontrols the power supply unit according to the determination.
 2. Theapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit thatswitches on or off output power of the power supply unit according to acontrol signal from the controller.
 3. The apparatus according to claim2, wherein the switching unit is a relay including: a coil connected toa control signal output of the controller, the coil being driven by acontrol signal of the controller; and a switch connected to a powersupply line of the power supply unit, the switch being turned on or offaccording to driving of the coil.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising a key input unit that allows a user to set a usersetting as to whether or not to supply the main power when a wash cyclehas been terminated or when a power-off command has been input.
 5. Theapparatus according to claim 4, wherein the key input unit includes atleast one key that allows the user to select one of a zero power mode inwhich the main power is turned off and a standby power mode in which themain power is kept on.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 4, furthercomprising a memory that stores the user setting as to whether or not tosupply the main power, which the user has set through the key inputunit, wherein the controller turns off the main power or switches thewashing machine to the standby power mode in which the main power iskept on, according to the user setting stored in the memory.
 7. Anapparatus for controlling standby power of a washing machine, theapparatus comprising: a communication unit that performs datacommunication with a monitoring device that performs remote control andmonitoring of the washing machine; a power supply unit that suppliesneeded power to the washing machine; and a controller that determineswhether or not to supply main power to the washing machine according toa user setting when a wash cycle is terminated or when a power-offcommand is input during data communication with the monitoring devicethrough the communication unit and controls the power supply unitaccording to the determination.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7,further comprising a switching unit that switches on or off output powerof the power supply unit according to a control signal from thecontroller.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the switchingunit is a relay including: a coil connected to a control signal outputof the controller, the coil being driven by a control signal of thecontroller; and a switch connected to a power supply line of the powersupply unit, the switch being turned on or off according to driving ofthe coil.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising akey input unit that allows a user to set a user setting as to whether ornot to supply the main power when a wash cycle has been terminated orwhen a power-off command has been input.
 11. The apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein the key input unit includes at least one key thatallows the user to select one of a zero power mode in which the mainpower is turned off to terminate communication with the monitoringdevice and a standby power mode in which the main power is kept on toenable communication with the monitoring device.
 12. The apparatusaccording to claim 10, further comprising a memory that stores the usersetting as to whether or not to supply the main power, which the userhas set through the key input unit, wherein the controller keeps themain power on to maintain the data communication with the monitoringdevice or turns off the main power to terminate the data communicationwith the monitoring device.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 7,wherein the communication unit includes one of a power linecommunication (PLC) module and a wireless communication module accordingto a communication scheme used for communication with the monitoringdevice.
 14. A method for controlling standby power of a washing machinethat can perform data communication with a monitoring device thatperforms remote control and monitoring of the washing machine, themethod comprising: setting, by a user, a user setting as to whether ornot to supply main power to the washing machine when a wash cycle hasbeen terminated or when a power-off command has been input; and turningon or off the main power according to the user setting set by the userwhen a wash cycle has been terminated or when a power-off command hasbeen input.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein setting theuser setting as to whether or not to supply the main power includesselectively setting one of a zero power mode in which the main power isturned off and a standby power mode in which the main power is kept on.16. The method according to claim 15, wherein turning on or off the mainpower according to the user setting includes: turning off the main powerand terminating communication with the monitoring device when the userhas set the zero power mode; and switching the washing machine to thestandby power mode in which the main power is kept on to allowcommunication with the monitoring device when the user has set thestandby power mode.